At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and implement innovative Microsoft solutions while collaborating with clients.
- Company: Join a friendly IT consultancy that values curiosity and problem-solving.
- Benefits: Enjoy unlimited holidays, flexible working, and comprehensive health benefits.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by leading technology projects and shaping client solutions.
- Qualifications: Hands-on experience with Microsoft technologies and strong client engagement skills.
The predicted salary is between 61500 - 72000 £ per year.
Who you’ll be joining
We’re problem solvers at heart. Sometimes the answer is technology, sometimes it is strategy, and sometimes it is a strong cup of tea and a bit of thoughtful conversation. Whatever it takes, we work it out with our clients. We’re an IT consultancy that helps organisations get the best out of their technology. That means keeping them secure and keeping the bad guys out, making sure everything works and is easy to use, and doing smart things with data and software to give their business an edge. It is important work, and we care about doing it well and for the right reasons.
Life at Waterstons is friendly, flexible and built on trust. We hire people who are curious, thoughtful and good at getting to the heart of a problem. You get support, trust and room to grow in a place that still feels human. The unlimited holidays and private healthcare are a nice touch, although most people stay because it feels like the right place to do good work with good people.
What You’ll Be Doing
We’re looking for an enthusiastic Microsoft Solutions Architect to join our Technology Solutions team as we continue to expand our Microsoft practice and build out our Technology Advisory capability. You’ll be joining a growing team of Architects and Engineers at a pivotal point for the practice. This is not a design it and hand it over role. We’re a hands-on team, and you’ll be designing, building and leading solutions, not sitting in a dark room writing documentation. You’ll combine deep Microsoft expertise with the confidence to represent Waterstons in front of senior stakeholders, shaping technology direction and delivering meaningful outcomes for our clients. This role can be based in either our Durham or London office.
Your Day-to-Day
- Working directly with clients to understand their challenges and design modern, secure solutions
- Leading client workshops and technical discovery sessions
- Architecting Microsoft 365, Azure and hybrid identity solutions
- Producing technical designs and statements of work
- Delivering projects hands on, including migrations, configuration and rollouts
- Leading complex projects from initial design through to implementation and handover
- Supporting pre-sales conversations, proposals and tender responses
- Helping to grow our Technology Advisory capability through thought leadership, case studies and client engagement
What we're looking for
If some (or most) of the following sound like you, we'd love to hear from you:
- Strong hands-on experience across Microsoft 365, Entra Identity, Conditional Access and security, Intune and Autopilot, Azure IaaS and PaaS, Windows Server and Active Directory
- Experience delivering Microsoft migration and transformation projects, not just designing them
- Experience delivering Microsoft-focused projects in an MSP, consultancy, or similarly fast-paced client environment
- Comfortable managing multiple projects across different client environments
- Confident working directly with clients, from understanding problems through to designing and implementing solutions
- Comfortable supporting pre-sales activity, including client meetings, statements of work and technical proposals
Nice to have
- Relevant Microsoft certifications
- Experience supporting business development activities or events
- A genuine interest in technology advisory and strategic conversations with clients
How We Take Care of You
As well as offering a competitive salary, we have an attractive benefits package including:
- A healthy work life balance with flexible and agile working being the norm
- Unlimited holiday allowance
- EV car scheme (salary sacrifice)
- Room to grow with supported development opportunities and sponsored training
- Enhanced family policies
- If you ever need it, company sick pay and life assurance
- Supported wellbeing with regular initiatives, an employee assistance programme and private medical insurance
- Flexible benefits such as a dental scheme, eye care support, season ticket loan and cycle to work
We require a security check to be carried out on all colleagues due to the nature of some of our clients’ industries. Waterstons is committed to creating an inclusive, understanding, and flexible place to work. We value diversity, equality and inclusion and encourage everyone to 'bring their whole selves' to work. We believe that a company that works to truly embrace and value diversity, create an environment where everyone from any background can do their best work, and feel valued and appreciated is a better company to work for.
Privacy Statement
Waterstons are gathering the data in this application for the purpose of recruitment and to ensure we can contact you regarding this application. For information about what we do with your personal data see our Privacy Notice.
Solutions Architect in Durham employer: Waterstons
Waterstons is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and supportive work culture in Glasgow that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With benefits like unlimited holiday and private healthcare, team members are encouraged to maintain a healthy work-life balance while engaging with a diverse range of clients, ensuring meaningful and rewarding experiences in their roles.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Solutions Architect in Durham
✨Join the IT Consultancy Buzz
Get involved in local or virtual IT consultancy meetups and forums. This is where we can rub shoulders with industry professionals, get insights into what Waterstons values, and even spot unadvertised opportunities. Don't miss out on these chances to make a name for ourselves in the IT world!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a personal project or case study relevant to the challenges Waterstons might face. Use platforms like GitHub or Medium to share your findings. This not only demonstrates our consulting skills but shows a proactive attitude, making us stand out from the crowd when applying for that full-time gig.
✨Leverage LinkedIn for Connections
Follow and engage with the relevant thought leaders and influencers in IT consultancy on LinkedIn. Share insightful content and join discussions to gain visibility. A well-placed comment or shared article could catch the attention of someone at Waterstons!
✨Direct Apply to Waterstons
Let's not forget to apply directly through the Waterstons website! Tailor your application to showcase our understanding of their consulting style and how we can contribute to their projects. A personalised approach can make a huge difference in landing that full-time position!
We think you need these skills to ace Solutions Architect in Durham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In IT consulting, it's all about problem-solving, so make sure your CV highlights your analytical skills and any relevant projects you've tackled. Mention specific technologies or methodologies you've used to resolve issues or improve processes; this shows you can think critically and deliver results, which is vital for us at Waterstons.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Certifications like ITIL, PMP, or even specific tech stack qualifications can really make you stand out. Make sure to include these in your CV, as they not only demonstrate your expertise but also your commitment to staying current in the field. We love seeing candidates who are proactive about their professional development!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to connect personally with us at Waterstons. Share stories about your experiences in IT consulting, and how they shaped your desire to join our team. Mention why you’re excited about this particular role, and how you see yourself contributing to our projects.
Keep It Clear and Concise:We're all busy, so make sure your application is easy to read. Use bullet points for key achievements, and don’t overload us with jargon. A clean, professional layout goes a long way. Remember, the clearer your application, the more likely we are to invite you in for an interview!
How to prepare for a job interview at Waterstons
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Skills
For an IT consulting role, be ready to demonstrate your technical prowess. You might face questions on systems integration, cloud technologies, or even troubleshooting specific software. If you have experience with tools like AWS, Azure, or even specific programming languages, make sure you can talk about them fluently.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Approach
IT consulting is all about solving problems for clients. Think about how you can illustrate your approach to a past challenge using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). It's a great way to show how you tackle complex issues and come up with effective solutions.
✨Know the Business Impact of IT Solutions
When discussing your experiences, focus not just on the tech solutions you implemented, but also on their business impact. Employers want to see that you can connect IT with organisational goals. Prep examples that highlight how your tech contributions improved efficiency or reduced costs for past clients or projects.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Since IT consulting often involves teamwork and client interactions, expect behavioural questions that assess your interpersonal skills. Be prepared with examples that demonstrate your adaptability, communication skills, and how you handle client feedback. Before the interview, think of situations where you worked closely with clients to create effective IT strategies or changes.
